Amazon to CA: Read my lips, no online sales tax

""Enjoy surfing the web cheaply and easily for that must-have item while you can: The taxman cometh. California plans to force online retailers to collect sales taxes, a new rule that drew shouts of outrage from Web-shopping giants like Amazon.com. The bill requires online retailers such as Amazon to collect taxes if they have in-state affiliates. Amazon operates a nationwide sales program that relies on in-state companies to drive its own online business -- boosting online retail profits and leaving local coffers empty, the state argued. But Amazon was quick to turn the tables. Calling the new law unconstitutional, Amazon sent an email Wednesday to California affiliates saying it would cut ties with them Friday when the law becomes effective, putting those businesses in the crosshairs." (06/30/11)